God's eyes stared down on Papi and took his spirit to heaven on Wednesday, Jan. 23, 2013. Amado Rodriguez, 71, of Key West, Fla., passed away peacefully surrounded by his loving family.

Amado, also known as "Pelican" or "Pipe" to all his family and friends, was born Sept. 13, 1941, in Havana, Cuba. He came to Key West at the age of 15 with his father to start a new life and pave the way for his mother and siblings. He was the son of the late Jesus Rodriguez and Amada Rodriguez. He was the oldest of seven siblings. In 1967, he married the love of his life, Barbara Diaz Rodriguez, who survives.

He was a commercial fisherman in Key West for 56 years, taught and trained by his own father, and later teaching his son-in-law Steven Powell, whom he loved as his own. Amado owned many boats, including Woman Key, Anaisa, Daddy's Boy, and his last love, Devil's Island. He loved and respected the ocean. Fishing was his pride and joy. He was a selfless man and a hard worker, always caring for his family and using every second in life to teach a lesson.

Papi was preceded in death by his son Eduardo Rodriguez and grandson Doberti Sanchez.

Upon his respected wishes, Amado did not want a viewing, but he did want to be cremated and have his ashes, along with his son Eduardo's ashes, spread over the Marquesas. A Mass will be held at The Basilica of St. Mary Star of the Sea at a later date to be announced.

The family would like to thank Father John Baker of St. Mary for visiting and comforting Amado weekly through prayer and faith. Thank you to the graciously kind nurses and respiratory specialist at Lower Keys Medical Center. Thank you to Dr. Atilla and Dr. Boros for years of help as he fought this terrible disease. An eternal thanks to Wally Morales at LKMC for being so kind and considerate to Amado and helping him feel as comfortable as possible on his last days on earth.